Athens is under tight security today as the Hellenic Police implement extensive measures ahead of rallies marking the 16th anniversary of the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Alexis Grigoropoulos by a police officer in the Exarchia district.
Approximately 5,000 police officers from various branches have been deployed across the city. An ELAS helicopter and drones are monitoring events from above, providing live images to the police operations centre. Water cannons are also on standby, while Exarchia and other key areas will see a particularly heavy police presence.
Traffic restrictions are being rolled out gradually, with the Attica Traffic Department coordinating efforts to ease congestion in the city center. Additionally, key metro stations are temporarily closed: Panepistimio station has been shut since 9:00 a.m., while Monastiraki station will remain closed between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., reopening briefly before closing again after 5:00 p.m. Trains will pass through these stations without stopping.
The measures underscore the authorities' effort to prevent unrest during the commemorations, which have historically drawn large crowds and, at times, led to clashes.